EP-4711014-B1 - AEROSOL FIRE EXTINGUISHING GENERATOR

Inventors

• Pakseresht, Hamoon

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20240915

Claims (3)

1. An aerosol fire extinguishing device for suppressing fires comprising: a container; a solid condensed aerosol-forming composition disposed within said container; an ignition device operatively associated with said aerosol-forming composition for igniting said aerosol-forming composition to generate an aerosol; a composition for absorbing heat from the generated aerosol, wherein the composition comprises a coolant composition comprising: Silica (SiO 2 ) in an amount ranging from 28 wt.% to 52 wt.% relative to the total weight of the coolant composition; Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) in an amount ranging from 17.5 wt.% to 32.5 wt.% relative to the total weight of the coolant composition; Iron Oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) in an amount ranging from 5.6 wt. % to 10.4 wt. % relative to the total weight of the coolant composition; Titanium Dioxide (TiO 2 ) in an amount ranging from 2.8 wt. % to 5.2 wt.% relative to the total weight of the coolant composition; Potassium Oxide (K 2 O) and/or Sodium Oxide (Na 2 O) in an amount ranging from 16.1wt.% to 29.9 wt.% relative to the total weight of the coolant composition; the total coolant composition is 100% by weight; and at least one dispersion means associated with said container for directing the aerosol to a location to be protected from fire.
2. The aerosol fire extinguishing device of claim 1, wherein 40% by weight of the composition for absorbing heat from the generated aerosol is the coolant composition, the total composition is 100% by weight.
3. The aerosol fire extinguishing device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein 60% by weight of the composition for absorbing heat from the generated aerosol is hydrated magnesium silicate having chemical composition of Mg 3 Si 4 O 10 (OH) 2 or hydrous aluminum silicate having chemical composition of Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 or their combination thereof, the total composition is 100% by weight.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to fire extinguishing devices for suppressing fires, particularly to fire extinguishing devices that generate aerosol from a solid condensed aerosol-forming composition. BACKGROUNG ART Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing generators are a type of fire suppression technology that uses fine particulate matter and gases to extinguish fires. These particles effectively suppress fires by disrupting the chemical processes that sustain combustion. Condensed aerosols are generated through ignition of a solid material, often a pyrotechnic compound. When the system is triggered, this solid material undergoes a controlled combustion process, which is an exothermic reaction that produces a fine mist of aerosolized agents. These agents interfere with the combustion process at a molecular level, primarily by absorbing heat and neutralizing free radicals, which are critical to sustaining a fire. The exothermic reaction in condensed aerosol fire extinguishers involves the decomposition of a solid material, such as a pyrotechnic compound. This compound typically consists of Potassium Nitrate (KNO3), Dicyandiamide (C2H4N4), and an organic binder. Potassium Nitrate serves as the oxidizing agent in the pyrotechnic mixture, providing the necessary oxygen to sustain the combustion of the fuel component. Dicyandiamide acts as the fuel in the reaction, burning in the presence of the oxygen provided by Potassium Nitrate, leading to the production of heat and gaseous byproducts. The organic binder is used to hold the mixture together and control the burn rate of the pyrotechnic compound, ensuring a consistent and controlled release of the aerosol particles. When the condensed aerosol fire extinguisher is ignited, typically through an electrical or thermal initiator, the pyrotechnic compound ignites. The initiator is often a small, highly reactive charge that ensures the rapid ignition of the main pyrotechnic composition. The pyrotechnic compound undergoes rapid combustion, an exothermic process in which the fuel (Dicyandiamide) reacts with the oxidizer (Potassium Nitrate). This reaction produces a significant amount of heat, gaseous byproducts, and solid aerosol particles. The intense heat generated by the combustion causes the Potassium Nitrate to decompose, releasing potassium ions (K+). These ions react with the gaseous byproducts of combustion, forming fine particles of potassium salts (such as potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate). The heat and gas pressure generated by the exothermic reaction force the aerosol particles out of the container through nozzles. The nozzles are designed to disperse the aerosol across the fire zone, maximizing coverage and effectiveness. Once dispersed, the fine aerosol particles absorb heat from the flame, reducing the temperature of the combustion zone. This cooling effect helps to slow down the chemical reactions that sustain the fire. During a fire, free radicals such as hydroxyl (OH) and hydrogen (H) are produced, which fuel the ongoing combustion. The potassium ions in the aerosol act as free radical scavengers, binding with these radicals to form stable molecules, thereby disrupting the chain reaction that keeps the fire going. Additionally, the dense cloud of aerosol particles creates a physical barrier that hinders the flow of oxygen to the fire, further aiding in extinguishment. The exothermic reaction generates a large volume of aerosol particles in a very short time, allowing for quick and effective fire suppression. Document RU 2228777 discloses a chemical formulation for fire extinguishing powder composition that contains fertilizers, dispersed additive, fluidity agent, ion-lattice mineral with complex anionic groups, or phosphorite flour, both with density ≥ 2.8 g/cm3. The ion-lattice mineral has the following composition: [Al2O3] (0.5-7.5 wt.%), [SiO2] (40-50 wt.%), [Na2O·K2O] (4.5-11.4 wt.%), [P2O5] (0.5-1.5 wt.%), [CaO] (5-9.1 wt.%), [Fe2O3] (12-20 wt.%), [FeO] (8-12 wt.%), [TiO2] (7-11 wt.%), and hydrophobizing modifier. Document US 2006/155039 discloses silicone-based polymer compositions designed for passive fire protection, particularly in applications like fire-resistant electrical cables, fire doors, and other structural fire barriers. The composition contains silicone polymer, mica, and glass frit C of the following composition (by weight): SiO2: 37.7%, Na2O: 14.6%, K2O: 10.6%, TiO2: 16%, FeO: 3%, BaO: 2.6%, P2O5: 1.3%, Al2O3: 1.2%, CaO: 1.14%, CuO: 0.4%, MgO: 0.37%, ZrO2: 0.8%. Document US 5009710 relates to an agricultural composition that integrates alginate gels with bentonite clay to enhance the delivery and efficacy of agrochemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. This document discloses a thixotropic gel composition comprising water, alginate gel matrix, bentonite clay, and optional additives. The bentonite has a chemical composition: Silicon Dioxide (SiO2): Approximately 60-65